Graca Sales
Former Ballet Master with Joffrey BalletCurrent Ballet Teacher with
Chicago Academy for the Arts
Professional ballet classes for adult and teen dancers in the Chicagoland area.Specializing in pre-professional coaching, audition consulting,
and helping dancers of all ages reconnect with their passion for ballet.
About Me
Welcome! My name is Graca Sales. I was born in Belo Horizonte, Brazil. I started my dancing career at the company Palacio das Artes when I was 13. At the age of 22, I moved to Germany and worked with Ulmer Dance Theater as a Prima Ballerina. After 8 years, I went back to Brazil, working as a ballet teacher with companies such as
Sao Paulo Dance Company and Grupo Corpo.Eventually, I moved to the United States, where I became a
Ballet Master at the Joffrey Ballet in Chicago, working alongside choreographers
such as Yuri Possakhov and Christopher Wheeldon.I have dedicated my career to teaching and coaching adult dancers and pre-professionals in the Chicagoland area. I have helped dancers achieve their goals of getting into schools as remarkable as the Royal Ballet School in London and the Indiana University dance program, as well as coached dancers in their preparation for the Youth American Grand Prix and auditions for various summer programs and companies around the country. Additionally, I have cultivated a
community of committed adult dancers who aim to improve their technique,
build relationships with other adult dancers, and reconnect with the joys of ballet.Currently, I work as a ballet teacher for students studying ballet and musical theater at the Chicago Academy for the Arts.
How Can We Dance Together?
Private & Personalized Classes
Hoping for a custom-made individual class for you based on what you want to improve? I offer personalized private classes that help you to more efficiently improve your technique and artistry. Flexible schedule to be arranged. Studio rental included.
$100 per hour ***
Lower rate if studio is provided__Audition & Competition Consulting__
Looking for how to best showcase your talents? I can help you select your strongest audition and competition videos/pictures, as well as give you personalized feedback on what the top ballet companies, schools, and competitions are looking for around the world. You'll email me your videos and/or images and I'll send you coaching advice in 24-48 hours.
Starting at $40__Adult Group Classes*__
Interested in joining a vibrant and welcoming community of adult dancers? Open to dancers of all ages intermediate-level and up at Chicago Ballet Arts in Evanston, IL on
Tuesdays-Fridays from 9:00-10:00am and
Sundays from 11:00-12:00pm.
$25 per class
Reviews
Victoria Jaiani
Principal Dancer with Joffrey Ballet
"I absolutely love working with Graca! Her classes have great classical structure and she gives high quality instruction. Graca's attention to details, dedication and passion for dance is absolutely infectious."
Faith
Adult Ballet Dancer
"Absolutely love Graca’s adult classes! The former Joffrey Ballet mistress has a gift for teaching classes that are adaptable by students of all levels. Graca has helped me improve my artistry, expression, & technique."
Diana C.
Adult Ballet Dancer
"Graca's classes have helped me to reconnect with ballet after so many years. She teaches with passion and professionalism, and I couldn't have found a better teacher for me."
Alyssa K.
Latin Ballroom Dancer
"Graca is an amazing ballet instructor and wonderful person. I love her classes. She has pushed me to be a more confident, technical and artistic dancer."
Carol P.
"The best ever and forever ! Thank you for being part of me and had transforming myself and everything about my art and my feelings about how to dance! I love you and I will be always thankful for everything we lived together! I miss you!"
Diane H.
Adult Ballet Dancer
"Tuesday -Friday mornings at 9:00…
at the barre with Graca in Evanston!
My happy place. She’s the best!!!"